Generating and Providing Embodied Energy and Global Warming Potential Related Information: Recommendations for Construction Product Manufacturers

The growing awareness for sustainable construction increases the demand for low environmental impact products among others. This poses new challenges to construction product manufacturers (CPM) not only in terms of developing such products, but also in terms of providing detailed and reliable product information to designers and procurers, as well as manufacturers of more complex products, including information on the use of resources and resulting effects on the global environment, the service life, as well as their behavior when it comes to maintenance, deconstruction and recycling.
Often, meeting the information demands from designers and procurers means to provide information on: the energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions related to the production process of the product including both upstream and corporate processes; the energy consumption for the installation and dismantling processes; the service life and maintenance possibilities/needs, and take-back and recycling possibilities. The collection and publication of such information becomes a competitive factor for enterprises and enhances their overall image. Additionally, the optimization of the manufacturing processes and the commitment to sustainability becomes an area of interest for CPMs. The saving or substitution of primary energy sources and primary raw materials lead to benefits such as reduced costs and positive sustainability reports.
However, small and medium-sized manufacturing enterprises (SMEs) often shy away from the effort associated with these tasks. They are not always familiar with scientific principles and normative requirements. It is necessary to support them with knowledge and resources and advise them on the compilation of product information. This paper addresses essential results of IEA EBC Annex57 and specific recommendations, accompanied by supporting information. Additionally, within the paper recommendations are given to improve their production and procurement processes as well as related environmental product information, seeking to improve their overall market competitiveness.